Kentucky, Southern Indiana and Ohio Plunge Into the Upper 20s Sunday Morning as Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories Cover 387 Counties From Oklahoma to Virginia
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — A big taste of winter arrived overnight into Sunday, November 8, 2026, as freezing temperatures spread across parts of 14 states. Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories were issued for 387 counties, stretching from Oklahoma to Virginia.
The coldest readings were expected across Kentucky, southern Indiana and Ohio, where lows could drop into the upper 20s.
Freeze and Frost Alerts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Alerts as of | 7:15 p.m. CST Saturday, November 7 |
| Counties under alerts | 387 |
| States affected | 14 |
| Forecast lows | Upper 20s to mid 30s |
| Coldest areas | Kentucky, southern Indiana and Ohio |
Forecast Lows by Region
| Region | Alert Type | Forecast Low |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky, southern Indiana and Ohio | Freeze Warning | Upper 20s |
| Central Virginia | Freeze Warning | 28 to 32°F |
| Southern Illinois, southeast Missouri and West Virginia | Freeze Warning | As low as 31°F |
| Oklahoma, Missouri and north Georgia | Frost Advisory | 32 to 35°F |
| Alabama and Arkansas | Frost Advisory | 34 to 36°F |
Freeze Warnings Cover Kentucky and the Ohio Valley
Freeze Warnings were in place across much of Kentucky, including Louisville, Lexington and Paducah, along with parts of:
- Southern Indiana
- Southern Ohio, including Cincinnati
- Southern Illinois
- Southeast Missouri
- West Virginia
- Central Virginia, including the Charlottesville area
Frost Advisories Reach Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alabama
Frost Advisories covered a wide area farther south and west, including:
- Oklahoma, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City
- Southwest Missouri, including Springfield
- Northwest Arkansas
- Alabama, including Birmingham and Huntsville
- North Georgia
What’s the Difference Between a Freeze Warning and a Frost Advisory?
- A Freeze Warning means temperatures are expected to drop to 32 degrees or colder, which can kill sensitive plants and damage outdoor pipes.
- A Frost Advisory means temperatures in the low to mid 30s could cause frost to form, damaging tender plants.
Lexington Freezes Before Chicago
The cold snap brought an unusual twist: Lexington, Kentucky, was expected to hit freezing before Chicago, which had not yet dropped to 32 degrees this fall. Chicago’s overnight low was forecast to stay near 38 degrees.
End of a Long Warm Spell
The freeze marks a sharp change after a very warm fall across much of the Ohio Valley and Southeast, where October ranked among the warmest on record in many areas.
How to Protect Plants, Pets and Pipes
- Cover or bring in potted plants and tender flowers
- Harvest any remaining garden vegetables
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Bring pets indoors
- Let faucets drip if pipes are exposed to cold
- Scrape windshields before heading out
Colder Pattern Continues Next Week
More cold air is expected to sweep across the eastern U.S. later next week, with forecasts calling for the first 50-degree highs of fall in Washington, D.C., and a sharp cool-down reaching Florida.
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